Albany Technical College hosts Criminal Justice and Cybercrime Investigation Program

ALBANY, Ga. – Albany Technical College (ATC) shines a spotlight on its Criminal Justice and Cybercrime Investigation Program event.

Respected professionals in criminal justice and law enforcement convened to share their insights and experiences. Attendees learned about the latest program updates, including advanced training tools and new course offerings.

“Now… many agencies are looking for qualified and educated police officers so you can get your basis of education from right here at Albany Technical College. It’ll be a two year degree. We have several articulation degrees with universities in colleges here in Georgia, where you can take these credits that you’ve accrued here at Albany Tech and transfer those creators to other four year institutions so you can obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Chief Wendy Lester, who is with Albany Police Department, just spoke on the fact that now in order for you to get promoted with the Albany Police Department, you need some type of education, further education, at least an Associate’s Degree. So, here’s a start. Cybercrime investigations. Criminal justice is just the new wave of the future,” said Ryan Ward, Chair, Albany Technical College Cybercrime Investigation Program.

“Well… it’s very important whenever a college to our technical institution is providing information about how you can improve your law enforcement skills through education, it’s very important to come out because you understand what they offer on the program. And there’s a variety of different things that you can learn under the law enforcement certificate here at Albany Technical College,” said Wendy Luster, Deputy Chief, Albany Police Department.

Albany Technical College’s Criminal Justice and Cybercrime Investigation Program offers comprehensive courses on policing, courts, corrections, and forensic science. Students can pursue a diploma, degree, or certificate options, all tailored to equip them for diverse careers in law enforcement and cybersecurity.

Johnathan Owens and Jermal Chambers, from the Recruitment Division and Community Outreach of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong relationships between the community and law enforcement officers.

“I have enjoyed it. I’ve done patrol for about three years and then I went over to school resource officer, did some time over in records division and then presently I’m in recruitment in division, so I got to just have a little bit of everything and I was able to take all those skills and kind of be able to create some type of goal I’ve always wanted to do, which was, recruit other people and relate to them,” said Jonathan Owens, Recruitment Division, Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

“I have a variety of a school resource officer, gang investigator, downtown operations on bike patrol, eastside patrol and now community outreach. And, I will say where you start is not where you’re going to end if you believe in yourself. In crime. You want a change amongst the youth. You have to let them know who you are, what your moral, your ethical beliefs are. And, so, you’re only going to get that if you get out there. Intermingle with everyone. Without that conversation, then people don’t understand that you are there to help them, not hurt them,” said Jermal Chambers, Community Outreach, Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

Albany Tech invites students to explore how this program can help them achieve their career goals.

“Coming from a law enforcement background, retiring with 30 years of dedicated service and having a police department, I can say from both sides of the field, from the education side as well as from the law enforcement side, that we’re going to go hand in hand. We’re asking for potential students. If you want to come and get an education here at Albany Tech, please reach out to us. We’re here and we’re available,” said Ward.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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